Statement by Shilpa Pullela, Counsellor Sustainable Development and Human Rights, Australian Mission to the United Nations

Australia takes this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirm our strong support for the Human Rights Council.

General Assembly Resolution 60/251 clearly states that the Human Rights Council shall be responsible for addressing specific situations of violations of human rights and making recommendations on them. Addressing human rights situations or – as some call it – “naming and shaming” is not about politicisation – it is about upholding the Council's very mandate.

No country has a perfect human rights record, including Australia. But no country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations. Scrutiny and accountability are essential to achieving a peaceful, stable and prosperous world in which every person is able to enjoy their human rights.

We recognise that the Council faces an ever-increasing workload, and we will continue to support outcomes which enhance the Council's core mandate of promoting human rights and preventing and addressing human rights violations.

We will continue to stress the need for diversity of voices in Council sessions – this includes the voices of Indigenous Peoples, national human rights institutions, those with disabilities, civil society and human rights defenders.

And we will continue to stress the need for stronger processes to ensure Council members uphold the highest human rights standards.

Thank you.